Junior Lake Stars in Epic Triumph for the Leones del Escogido
An exciting encounter culminated in the victory of the Leones del Escogido over the Toros del Este, thanks to a daring run by Junior Lake from third base in the tenth inning. This triumph, with a score of 5-4, left the Toros on the field and consolidated the good moment of the melenudos in the final stretch of the regular season.
The key play occurred after a touch by Sócrates Brito to the pitcher, which was quickly answered by Jarlín García. Despite the accurate throw to catcher Tres Barrera, Lake managed to slide his left hand over the plate, securing the victory for the Leones.
The Lions started the tenth inning with a 4-3 deficit. Freudy Batista, as a ghost runner, advanced to third thanks to a bunt by Jonathan Guzmán. Lake was hit by a pitch and then stole second base, setting the stage for Erik González to hit a single to left field, driving in the tying run and positioning Lake at third.
This victory represents the third consecutive and the sixth in the last seven games for the Escogido, improving their record to 22-25. The team remains in third place in the standings, tied with the Estrellas Orientales and with a game and a half lead over Tigres del Licey and Gigantes del Cibao (20-26).
Hansel Marcelino (1-0) earned the victory after pitching one inning with a strikeout, while Michael Ynoa (0-1) took the loss, being responsible for the two runs of the tenth inning.Game Development
The Lions took the lead in the first inning with a walk by Lake, followed by singles by González and Brito, culminating in a groundout by Yamaico Navarro to first base.
The Toros responded in the third inning, tying the score with a double by Gilberto Celestino and taking the lead with a single by Luis Liberato.
In the fifth inning, the Reds loaded the bases with no outs, but Jimmy Yacabonis came in to relieve. Brito hit a run-scoring single to tie the game, and a ground ball by Navarro allowed Escogido to take a 3-2 lead.
The Bulls tied the game again in the seventh inning with a home run by Jeimer Candelario.Featured Players
For the Leones, Socrates Brito stood out with a 4-1 and two RBIs. Junior Lake, although he went 0-3, scored three runs. Erik Gonzalez batted 4-2 with one RBI, and Jonathan Guzman connected a 3-1 with one run scored.
For the Toros, Jeimer Candelario had an outstanding performance with a home run and an RBI, while Luis Liberato went 4-1 with two RBIs.
The Lions will travel this Saturday to San Francisco de Macorís to face the Gigantes del Cibao at 5:00 in the afternoon.
